Pirates Extend Their Unbeaten Streak in the 2025 CAF Champions League
Orlando Pirates have secured their place in the CAF Champions League semi-finals for the first time in over a decade after holding MC Alger to a goalless draw at Orlando Stadium, clinching the tie 1-0 on aggregate on Wednesday, 9 April 2025, maintaining their unbeaten streak in the tournament and sending a strong message to the rest of the continent.
The Buccaneers came into the second leg with a slender advantage, having earned a crucial 1-0 away win in Algiers last week. Needing only a draw to progress, the Soweto giants put on a disciplined defensive display to keep their Algerian opponents at bay and march on to the final four of Africa’s elite club competition.
The match was a tense and tactical affair, with MC Alger pressing high and looking for an early goal to get back into the tie. However, Pirates’ backline, marshalled by captain the 19 years old Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Tapelo Xoki, Deano Van Rooyen and goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, stood firm under pressure.
Despite a few nervy moments, particularly in the second half, the Buccaneers never looked rattled. The defensive midfield pairing of Makhehleni Makhaula and Thalente Mbatha provided a sturdy shield, breaking up attacks and frustrating the visitors with intelligent positioning and timely tackles. Also Young stars Relebohile Mofokeng and Mohau Nkota were instrumental in helping to stabilize the game.
While the match lacked goals, it was rich in determination and tactical discipline. Pirates coach José Riveiro praised his team’s mental strength and game management. “We knew it was going to be tough, but the boys showed character and maturity. This was not just about attacking football—it was about control, composure, and doing what needed to be done to reach the next stage,” he said after the match.
This result marks a major milestone in Pirates’ return to the top of African football. The 1995 champions and 2013 runners-up have now officially rejoined the continent’s elite, with their eyes firmly set on a place in the final.
The Buccaneers will now await the winner of the Al Ahly vs TP Mazembe quarter-final clash to see who they’ll face in the semis. Either way, the road ahead will be challenging—but Orlando Pirates have made it clear: they are ready for anyone.
A night that was meant to celebrate Orlando Pirates’ progression to the CAF Champions League semi-finals took a dramatic turn after tempers flared between officials from MC Alger and the South African giants. Emotions spilled over at full-time. Reports from the touchline suggest that several MC Alger officials confronted the Pirates technical bench and match officials, visibly frustrated by their team’s elimination.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is expected to review the post-match incident as part of their disciplinary process. Any sanctions or warnings will depend on the official match reports submitted by the referee and match commissioner.
Pirates have not released an official statement yet, but club insiders suggest the team is choosing to stay focused on the semi-finals and will allow CAF to handle the disciplinary matters.
Pirates are set to take on Egypt’s Pyramids FC in the first leg of their semi-final, which will be held in Egypt.